Mayor Wu remains firm as councilors consider rejecting her budget

"Boston Mayor Michelle Wu unveiled her $4.9 billion budget proposal for the next fiscal year in April, warning of a “challenging” financial moment. The budget represented the smallest year-over-year spending increase since the aftermath of the global financial crisis. Now, multiple Boston City Council members are considering rejecting that budget in the hopes that doing so would force Wu to submit a new proposal with increased spending and fewer cuts. The mayor is standing firm, telling the Council last week that she would not increase spending."

"Councilors are currently reviewing Wu's budget. They have the power of altering individual line items, but cannot increase the overall amount that the city is planning to spend. They have until June 10 to accept, reject, or amend Wu's budget. The mayor then decides whether to accept or veto the Council's changes. Her veto can be overridden by a two-thirds vote on the Council."

"Several councilors have asked about the current procedure for rejecting the mayor's budget, according to a letter Wu sent to the Council last week. Some have expressed hope that doing so would cause Wu to resubmit a budget that allows for increased spending, she wrote. The mayor stressed that her proposed budget “represents the maximum revenue that can be responsibly budgeted for the upcoming fiscal year.” Due to developments on Beacon Hill concerning the statewide budget, any resubmitted city budget"

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu released a $4.9 billion budget proposal for the next fiscal year amid warnings of a challenging financial period. The proposal includes cuts and represents the smallest year-over-year spending increase since the global financial crisis. Some City Council members are considering rejecting the budget, aiming to compel Wu to submit a new plan with increased spending and fewer cuts. Councilors can amend individual line items but cannot raise the total spending amount. They must act by June 10 to accept, reject, or amend the budget, after which the mayor can accept or veto changes. A two-thirds Council vote can override a veto. Wu says her proposal is the maximum responsibly budgeted revenue and indicates constraints tied to statewide budget developments.

Read at Boston.com